
Raiders' rebuild shifts from chaos to controlled progression
Las Vegas completes roster overhaul but faces the hard climb back to competitiveness under new leadership.

Raiders
football · NFL
The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional American football team based in Las Vegas, Nevada, competing in the NFL’s AFC West division. Founded in 1960 as the Oakland Raiders, the franchise relocated to Los Angeles in 1982 before settling in Las Vegas in 2020, becoming the first major pro sports team in Nevada. Known for their silver and black color scheme and a passionate fanbase, the Raiders embody a culture of resilience and reinvention. Under head coach Antonio Pierce, the team is transitioning from a period of instability to a more structured rebuild, focusing on sustainable growth and competitive positioning.
The Raiders are entering the 2026 NFL season with a reshaped quarterback room following the offseason addition of Kirk Cousins, signaling a strategic pivot in their offensive approach. After a turbulent 2025 campaign marked by roster turnover and coaching changes, the team has stabilized its leadership under Pierce and is prioritizing continuity and development. Early training camp reports highlight improved cohesion, though key defensive pieces remain under evaluation. The Raiders aim to climb from their 2025 mid-pack finish in the AFC West and challenge for a playoff spot.

Las Vegas completes roster overhaul but faces the hard climb back to competitiveness under new leadership.

Klint Kubiak names Kirk Cousins the Week 1 starter, sidelining Aidan O’Connell and opening the door for a trade that could free up cap space and clear the path for Fernando Mendoza’s development.
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | Miami Dolphins | – | 7 | 0 | 10 | -77 | – |
| – | Cleveland Browns | – | 5 | 0 | 12 | -100 | – |
| – | Las Vegas Raiders | – | 3 | 0 | 14 | -191 | – |
| – | Chicago Bears | – | 11 | 0 | 6 | +26 | – |
| – | Jacksonville Jaguars | – | 13 | 0 | 4 | +138 | – |